Conference Programme 2012

8.45-09.15 Registration

09.15 Chairman's welcome: Peter Williams

09.25 - 10.05 Keynote Address: Creating an Award Winning Firm

Jeremy Newman, Former Chairman, BDO International

10.10 - 10.40Using Knowledge Management to Drive Best PracticeThis panel will explore how innovative organisations manage their knowledge and use knowledge management techniques to drive better client engagement, and will look at ways to get the most out of the vast knowledge held within practices.

With the increasing number of online networking platforms and networking events available, businesses need to think strategically to ensure they seize the opportunities that networking presents to them. This workshop will address how accountancy professionals can improve their networking online and at events.

Mark Herring, CNO, Urbanonetwork

B) Pitching to WinClient retention is key - but so is opening the door to prospective clients. Many accountancy firms are now embracing the practices used by other industries to do this. Can your firm utilise business development techniques to grow your client list?

Paul Matthews, PACE Partners LLP

C) The Seven Habit of Highly Stressed Accountants

Procrastination, multi-tasking or simply an inability to say no. Sound familiar? If so, join Carol McLachlan FCA for a group coaching session on twenty first century time management. From information overload to work-life balancing, take some time out to work 'on' your job and find out where you are going wrong and what you can do about it.

Carol McLachlan, FCA, NLP practitioner, theaccountantscoach.com

12.25 - 13.00Case study: Stepping Away From The TimesheetsMany firms are stepping away from the traditional approach to timesheets and client fee structures. While it is appealing it is also a daunting process - how do you build a rewarding structure for both the client and practice? This case study will explain how changing the timesheets can improve your client relations.

Peter Gillman, Managing Director, Price Bailey

13.00 - 14.15Networking and Lunch

14.20 - 15.20Interactive Workshops

A) School Leavers - The New GraduatesWith rising university costs, loans and a more competitive graduate market, many school leavers looking at direct entry to training after A-level as a viable alternative to higher education. How can firms put into place these initiatives?

Andrew Leck, Head of ACCA UK

B) How to Promote From WithinWhen looking internally for promotion opportunities, firms can often be faced with technically brilliant employees whose business skills are not Partner level. Paths to Partnership programmes are becoming a common way for firms to train their accountants in skills they may not have encountered before, whilst giving them a clear directional path and guaranteed partnership. This session will look at how these programmes work on an operational level.

Tara Hart, Managing Director, Leadership Skills Training#

C) Managing client expectations in a 24/7-instant-access world...

Chances are you and your firm are committed to customer care? Chances are you'd like to nurture client loyalty? Chances are you'd like to go the extra mile so that you receive a healthy flow of valuable referrals and cross selling opportunities? The big question is how do you do this in a 24/7, instant-access, Facebook, iPhone and Blackberry world - and still retain your sanity and preserve your marriage!?In this interactive workshop, managed by Paul Shrimpling of Remarkable Practice, you'll discover and discuss worthwhile insights and share real-life experiences to help you impress your clients AND preserve your life outside work.

Paul Shrimpling, Managing Director, Remarkable Practice

15.25 - 16.10Panel: Viewing Your Firm as a BusinessThis panel discussion will look at developing your practice's soft skills in HR, Organisation and company management, with some of the front line firms giving examples of their own innovative experiences.